Art Focus Demo

Description

Christine Mackenzie is a First Nation Artist, born in Kelowna BC. Her mother was born in Bella Coola, BC, and was a descendant of Kwakiutl royalty from the double headed Eagle and Killer Whale clan. Christine grew up in south western British Columbia, in the Coast Salish traditional territories. She finds inspiration in the natural world and in the eyes of people willing to learn and share cultural ideas. She enjoys working with traditional/contemporary design and with multiple medias. Christine has been a professional artist for 11 years and was mentored by Haida Artist Anastasia Hendry, an artist for 30 plus years, now retired.

Christine has worked with many school districts and youth/family organizations in Chilliwack, Surrey, Langley, Vancouver (North, West and Downtown), Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, New Westminster, Boston Bar, The Yukon, Dease Lake, Telaghaph Creek and Atlin.

She participated in four art shows and has illustrated/co-written three books. Christine put in a logo design for transit police and has won the contract to have her

art work in 22 different municipalities on the transit police vehicle.

As an artist, Christine offers: First Nation art work, culture, regalia, traditional items and protocol.

During her demo she will be painting a northwest coast animal using traditional form line, sharing her process, and explaining how the art itself has evolved the story behind the piece and the protocols that have been passed down to her. … “I have used my art in a therapeutic way to cope with racism and self identity, which I have shared in my career as a facilitator with students of all ages. I believe that sharing culture is the only way we can keep it alive making each one of us unique and honoring our Ancestors. Art and culture speak where words are unable to explain.”